Morning roundup: Packers starting offense slow out of gate

Nov. 6, 2013

For the second consecutive day and for the third time in the past four days, the Packers won’t practice today. They won’t return to Ray Nitschke Field until tomorrow morning at 11:15 a.m.
But based on early results, maybe the No. 1 offense could use a little extra work. Considered to be one of the most prolific and dangerous attacks in the NFL, the Packers’ starting offense has sputtered in the first two preseason games.
As Rob Demovsky points out in this story, the No. 1 offense has managed just one score in six possessions this preseason. The other five possessions were: a lost fumble by running back James Starks, a three-and-out, an interception, a lost fumble by receiver Randall Cobb and a turnover on downs.
Aaron Rodgers has completed just eight of his 19 passes for 75 yards and a passer rating of 49.2.
That’s a stark contrast to the previous three exhibitions seasons, when Rodgers combined for 16 touchdown passes without a single interception. He completed 71.8 percent of his passes and had preseason passer ratings of 147.9 in 2009, 141.2 in 2010 and 130.1 last year.
*Eric Baranczyk, a former player and coach, breaks down the Packers' preseason performance against the Browns on Thursday. Among other things, Baranczyk finds that rookie tackle Andrew Datko is showing promise and getting better as training camp continues, rookie safety Jerron McMillian made a big jump from Game 1 to Game 2 in the preseason, rookie defensive lineman Mike Daniels knows how to use his hands, and running back Alex Green displayed some burst against the Browns.
*When asked if he's confident backup quarterback Graham Harrell can win in the NFL if called upon, based on is performances in the preseason, coach Mike McCarthy's response was tepid. In our Packers notebook, McCarthy said: “That’s why we’re in the preseason. We haven’t picked the team today. We’ll take all four games, like we do every year, and we’ll let the process determine the full roster, and Graham’s part of that process.”
We also learn that Desmond Bishop has surgery had surgery on his hamstring Friday, but McCarthy hasn't ruled him out for the season. Also, receiver Greg Jennings is expected to practice Sunday after suffering a concussion more than two weeks ago during the Family Night scrimmage.
*Check out a fresh photo gallery from the Packers-Browns game.